If you only buy one pair of wireless earbuds this Black Friday, make sure it's Sony's Award-winning WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 with Black Friday logo
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)

When the Sony WF-1000XM5 launched last year they set a new benchmark for wireless earbuds at the money, continuing to dominate the opposition and earning a fresh 2024 What Hi-Fi? Award for their efforts. At this price point, they are unbeatable.

Over time, the XM5s' price has slowly started to come down. Amongst all the Black Friday deals, we've spotted that they've dropped to £179 at Amazon, their lowest figure, and if you were considering a pair, now is a great time to get involved and secure Sony's brilliant flagship earbuds for a bargain price.

Best Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds deal

Sony WF-1000XM5 was £259now £179 (save £80)What Hi-Fi? Award winner 2024Previous low price: £189

Sony WF-1000XM5 was £259 now £179 (save £80)
Sony's five-star WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds sound unbelievably clear, detailed and refined. They also pack in some of the most extensive features available for the price. Few rivals can match them for sound quality, and this new low price (for the black pair) only makes them more attractive.
What Hi-Fi? Award winner 2024
Previous low price: £189

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are among the best wireless earbuds in town, in our opinion outperforming even the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4.

The list of what the XM5 can do is near-endless. Aside from flexible and effective active noise cancelling, the XM5 use Sony's DSEE upscaling to boost low-quality files to fine effect, while they also include multipoint Bluetooth, 360 Reality Audio support and flexible touch controls that allow you to change volume and switch between sound modes at the same time.

The real reason for snapping up the Sonys, though, is their stellar sound quality. They put in a breathtaking performance with their wonderfully neutral tone, creating a sound stage bursting with class-leading detail and clarity. It's balanced and cohesive, and the buds boast a superb sense of timing. The fit might not suit everyone but we still think they should be at the top of your list of pairs to audition.

With this £80 price drop at Amazon, consider them a superb choice for anyone looking for a pair of premium wireless earbuds. Want an alternative with even better noise cancelling and a slightly richer sonic balance? You can pick up the Bose QuietComfort Ultra for £219 (down from £300).

MORE:

LIVE: I’m picking the best Black Friday hi-fi deals as they go live – speakers, turntables, amps and more

Budget bargain hunter? These are the best Black Friday deals under £100

Buying new music? I've searched for the best vinyl record and CD deals in the Amazon Black Friday sales

The 11 best Black Friday audio deals under £100: savings on Bluetooth speakers, wireless earbuds and more

Harry McKerrell
Senior staff writer

Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs. 

With contributions from